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Thunder vs. Mavericks: A look at Dallas' major roster changes

The Mavericks team that beat the Thunder in five games last May en route to the NBA title is not the same Maverick team that comes to Oklahoma City on Saturday for a first-round playoff series.

By Berry Tramel | Published: April 27, 2012 Comment on this article

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CENTER

Gone: Tyson Chandler. Signed by the Knickerbockers as a free agent, Chandler was a force against the Thunder last season. His plus/minus in the five-game series was plus-36. Dallas outscored OKC by 36 points with Chandler on the court, a huge number in a series in which every game was tight. Chandler protected the paint and rebounded like a demon (10.6 per game).

Replaced by: Brendan Haywood. Haywood played 10.7 minutes a game in the playoffs last season. But now he's the man in the middle. Haywood is a solid defender, but he's no Tyson Chandler. Ian Mahinmi has replaced Haywood as the backup center.

BACKUP POINT GUARD

Gone: J.J. Barea. Signed by the Timberwolves as a free agent. A total thorn in the Thunder flesh, Barea scored 21 points in 16 minutes in Game 1 of the West finals a year ago. He constantly kept the Thunder (and the Lakers in the previous round) frustrated with his penetration into the lane.

Replaced by: Rodrique Beaubois. Actually drafted by the Thunder in 2009 before being immediately traded to Dallas, Beaubois has played well for the Mavs this season, averaging 21.7 minutes and 8.9 points. His shooting is spotty (42.2 percent, less than 30 percent from 3-point range), but his defense is an upgrade over Barea's.

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